Gulf Drive paving operations begin

The Florida Department of Transportation said resurfacing would begin this week for the ongoing Gulf Drive/State Road 789 roadway improvement projects.

The work will include removal of old asphalt —milling — and resurfacing of the roadway as part of an ongoing construction project from Cortez Road to Manatee Avenue/State Road 64.

Motorists can expect temporary lane closures and nighttime work between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Improvements also will include base work, shoulder treatment, curb and gutters, signalization, highway signing and pavement marking, sidewalks and traffic monitoring. Weather permitting, the project is anticipated for completion in the fall.

Additional DOT delays may result from an ongoing maintenance project on the S.R. 684/Cortez Road bridge draw.

Motorists can expect eastbound and westbound intermittent 10-15 minute delays, much like a normal bridge opening, controlled by a flagging operation from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday through Wednesday, July 19-21.

Another project will take place on Cortez Road/S.R. 684 from Gulf Drive to U.S. 41/14th Street West Bradenton. Motorists can expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning July 19-July 30 for edging and sweeping of curbs and sidewalks.

Motorists are advised to use caution in construction areas, drive at reduced speed and expect delays.